I bought an AOC MiniLED monitor that was shipped from China. It came with a white power cord marked HONGLIN 10A/250V, but I already have a black I-SHENG cord with a different plug and a 7A/125V marking. The monitor is rated for 100–240V and 1.5A. The black cable jacket says "VCTF 3x0.75mm² 2020 … R41043 RoHS," while the white cable says "60227 IEC 53(RVV) 3x0.75mm² 300/500V." Since Philippine mains voltage is around 220V, can these cables be used interchangeably, or should I use the cable that came with the monitor?
3 Answers
The monitor only draws 1.5A, so either cable has more than enough current capacity. Its 100–240V input rating also means it is designed to work on Philippine mains without a voltage converter. The important distinction is the cable and plug rating: the white cord is clearly marked for 300/500V, while the black cord’s 125V marking may refer mainly to its plug. Since the black cord has a US-style plug and the white one is intended for the higher-voltage supply, the white cord is the safer, simpler choice if it fits your outlet and has a proper ground connection.
Check the monitor’s power label rather than assuming the cord determines the monitor’s voltage. Since the label says 100–240V, it should accept the Philippines’ nominal 220V automatically; there is no voltage selector to set. The cord still needs an appropriate 250V rating and a plug that matches the local socket, so the white 10A/250V cord is the best option.
The cable markings show that both cords use three 0.75 mm² conductors, but the white cord has an explicit 300/500V insulation rating. The black VCTF cable may also be suitable for 220V depending on its exact certification and construction, but the printed 7A/125V rating makes it harder to verify. Use the supplied white cord, or buy a locally certified 250V replacement with the correct grounded connector. Do not use a simple plug adapter if it leaves the grounding arrangement unsafe.
I’m in the Philippines, which is why I was concerned about using a cord marked 125V. The black cable is also a different plug shape from the white cable that came with the monitor.